Tuscany between Renaissance, nature and wine

Renaissance and protected cultural landscapes

Tuscany combines significant cultural history with landscapes in which nature and human design are closely intertwined. The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Medici Villas and Gardens comprises twelve villas and two gardens. They represent an early example of the connection between architecture, gardens and the surrounding landscape and became a lasting model for princely residences in Italy and Europe.

In the Val d’Orcia, a rural agricultural landscape in the province of Siena in central Italy, large parts of the Renaissance layout, character and aesthetic have been preserved. The boundary of the Val d’Orcia World Heritage site coincides with the boundaries of today’s Val d’Orcia Park, the Parco Artistico Naturale e Culturale della Val d’Orcia. Here, an agricultural landscape and Renaissance history meet directly.

Historic cities and distinctive buildings

The historic centre of Siena is considered an exceptionally well-preserved example of a medieval and Renaissance city in Italy. Ancient fortified walls enclose the centre; they were built between the 14th and 16th centuries, follow the contours of the city’s three hills and include bastions, towers and gates.

Pisa and Florence also have their own cultural highlights. The Piazza del Duomo in Pisa comprises four medieval masterpieces: the cathedral, baptistery, bell tower or Leaning Tower, and cemetery. The buildings were constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries in close proximity to one another. The historic centre of Florence includes museums, churches, buildings and artworks of inestimable value; the concept of the Renaissance emerged there. San Gimignano’s historic silhouette is characterised by thirteen surviving towers. The Palazzo Comunale (Palazzo Pubblico) currently houses the Museo Civico and the Pinacoteca of San Gimignano.

Trails for hikers and cyclists

Tuscany can also be explored via longer trails and themed routes. The Via Francigena crosses the region for almost 400 kilometres and is divided into 16 stages. The Via di Francesco is a network of hiking trails linking numerous places associated with the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.

In the Parco della Maremma, six easy walks lead through various Mediterranean natural environments and their wildlife. The trails often run along the sea or lead to it. Off Capraia, a marine protected area was established in the sea to protect and preserve the natural habitat.

For cycling tours, Tuscany offers numerous signposted routes with carefully developed services. The Anello delle terme della Valdinievole is a 17.6-kilometre MTB route with a moderate physical and moderate technical difficulty level. The circular route connects Montecatini Terme with Grotta Giusti. Different route lengths and difficulty levels make it easier for you to find your bearings when planning your individual trip.

Wine, olive oil and special experiences

The Strada dell’Olio dei Monti Pisani runs through the areas of the five municipalities of Buti, Calci, San Giuliano Terme, Vecchiano and Vicopisano. Enotourism in Tuscany includes e-bike tours, visits to historic villages, picnics in vineyards and vertical wine tastings of different vintages organised by the Movimento Turismo del Vino.

Unusual impressions also await underground: Grotta Giusti extends for more than 200 metres and includes chambers with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. At the Grotte di Equi, visitors can try a cable-car ride over the stream, climb on a climbing wall set up on the rock face at the cave entrance, and take part in a caving adventure course. In a thermal cave, diving enthusiasts can move through the water under the supervision of specialised instructors.

Other regions of Tuscany

For further orientation, you can discover Tuscany’s subregions individually: Livorno, Pistoia, Prato, Lucca, Massa-Carrara, Pisa, Siena, Elba, Arezzo, Grosseto and Florence.